It is good to see that the Gambian news magazine, Gambia News and Report, has recognized the talents of our President, Dr Alhaji Yahya A J J. Jammeh and named him their 2007 "Man of the Year". This they attribute to his world-wide renown and "remarkable success" in the field of herbal medicine and treatment.

While we recognize the Gambia News and Report's recognition of our President's tremendous efforts and success in the particular field of herbal medicine, we here at the Daily Observer would like to add other awards for the sterling efforts that our President and his government have made during 2007.

For example, we would also like to name the President "Man of the Year" for his excellent work in highlighting the dangers of HIV/AIDS to the population of this country - and for his excellent treatment programme.

This treatment the President has coupled with continuous exhortation to Gambians to be faithful to their partners and follow the teachings of the Qur'an and the Bible in order to remain safe from the scourge of HIV/AIDS.

We would also name the President "Man of the Year" for the tremendous success of the Gambian economy as evidenced by the recognition of the IMF and the World Bank last month. Remarkably, we are told that the economy of the Republic of The Gambia is growing at the rate of about 7% per annum!

Then what about the wonderful peace that exists in this country? Within The Gambia, we all continue to live together peacefully. With our filial neighbour, Senegal, we have establish a brotherly peace which continues to endure - as evidenced by the recent concordant between SoS Grey-Johnson's Department of Foreign Affairs and his counterpart in Dakar.

For the peace that exists within The Gambia alone, President Jammeh deserves 13 "Man of the Year" awards for each of the last thirteen years.

Finally, what of the President's sterling efforts in improving farming and food production in this country? The man's ahievements are just too many to list here, and we join the Gambia News and Report Magazine in lauding His Excellency as "Man of the Year 2007".